The popular and attractive Barn Swallow, found worldwide, is the most widespread of the swallows. In the western hemisphere, it winters in South America, but migrates northward to breed over most of North America. A round trip may cover 14,000 miles. They prefer open country, and readily nest on man-made structures. They perform an important economic function as they cruise low over lawns, fields, lakes, and ponds, consuming large numbers of flies, aphids, beetles, bees, moths, mayflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, caterpillars and other insects.
The Barn Swallows (Hirundo Rustica) have taken over the barn again. They chase the barn cats out of the barn and land on my head once in a while to see who I am. They are busy rebuilding their nests from last year and will soon lay eggs. Flying lessons will begin in about 45 days when the young leave the nest. When not nesting they cruise the air catching flying insects on the fly.
JUNE MUST BE HERE
